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Overlock Sewing Machine Operator Jobs in Appleton, WI

Overlock Sewing Machine Operator information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do overlock sewing machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for overlock sewing machine operator in Appleton, WI is $15.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $16.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Overlock Sewing Machine Operators?

Overlock Sewing Machine Operators are skilled workers who operate specialized sewing machines called overlock or serger machines. These machines sew over the edge of one or two pieces of fabric for edging, hemming, or seaming in garment and textile production. Operators are responsible for setting up the machine, threading it properly, monitoring stitches, and ensuring finished seams meet quality standards. This role requires good hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and knowledge of garment construction techniques.

What is the difference between Overlock Sewing Machine Operator vs Sewing Machine Operator?

AspectOverlock Sewing Machine OperatorSewing Machine Operator
CredentialsTypically requires basic sewing certifications or trainingSimilar certifications, often with additional garment construction skills
Work EnvironmentFactories, textile plants, apparel manufacturingGarment factories, upholstery, or textile production
Industry UsagePrimarily in apparel and textile manufacturingBroader, including apparel, upholstery, and industrial sewing
Job FocusOperating overlock/serger machines to finish edgesOperating various sewing machines for assembling products

In summary, Overlock Sewing Machine Operators specialize in using overlock or serger machines to finish fabric edges efficiently, often within textile and apparel factories. Sewing Machine Operators have a broader role, working with different sewing machines to assemble garments or products across various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Overlock Sewing Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Overlock Sewing Machine Operator, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and experience in garment or textile manufacturing, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial overlock sewing machines and routine maintenance procedures is typically required. Reliability, focus, and effective communication help operators maintain quality and meet production targets. These skills ensure efficient, accurate sewing work, resulting in high-quality finished products and consistent output.

What are some common challenges Overlock Sewing Machine Operators face, and how can they be addressed?

Overlock Sewing Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent seam quality at high speeds, dealing with thread breakage, and managing the tension settings for different fabrics. To address these issues, operators should regularly clean and maintain their machines, stay attentive to thread and needle quality, and communicate closely with supervisors about persistent problems. Many workplaces offer on-the-job training and support from more experienced team members to help new operators quickly become proficient and resolve common issues.
What are popular job titles related to Overlock Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Appleton, WI? For Overlock Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Overlock Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Appleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Overlock Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Appleton, WI are:
1st Shift Pellet and Extrusion Machine Operator

1st Shift Pellet and Extrusion Machine Operator

Central Garden & Pet

Chilton, WI

$18 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Central Garden & Pet rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 71,359 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 97%

    97% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

  • 94%

    94% say it is easy to take sick days

    say it is easy to take sick days

  • 94%

    94% say they don’t worry about hours

    say they don’t worry about hours

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 41 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Description

Central Garden & Pet/Kaytee is currently looking for a 1st Shift Pellet and Extrusion Machine Operator –to join our team at Kaytee in Chilton, WI.  In this role you will be responsible for setting up and operating Bagging Line and Totes.

 At Kaytee, we offer a safe, clean work environment with an onsite fitness center and an onsite Health & Wellness clinic for employees and their families. Other benefits include full medical, dental and vision coverage, free life and disability insurance and a full 3% match on your 401k contributions, along with a yearly profit-sharing bonus. If you find your skills match the qualifications we are seeking below, we invite you to apply for this position!   

  

 RESPONSIBILITIES  

  • Starts machine and observes operation to detect malfunctions; makes adjustments or repairs as needed while assisting in the manufacturing process.
  • Enters production codes batching computer (Repete), sets up machine, prepares dating equipment for production and ensures the bags and/or tape is properly running.
  • Completes production work orders, moves/wraps pallets, confirms correct count on pallet and records pallet completion.
  • Inspects bags (top, and bottom) to ensure quality sewing, ribbon intact, legible/correct code dating and ID.
  • Tests product weights; visually checks for proper product mix.
  • Marks pallets for proper destination.
  • Assemble hand-add barrels accurately adding the proper amounts of vitamins/minerals and prepares ahead as required.
  • Follows all quality and food safety initiatives in accordance with FSMA, USDA, and SQF standards including obtaining PCQI certificate.
  • Follows all safety initiatives in accordance with OSHA standards

QUALIFICATION

  • The ability to lift up to 50+ pounds with frequent bending, lifting and twisting.
  • Ability to perform basic math calculations (add, subtract, multiple & divide).
  • High school diploma preferred.
  • Ability to communicate with employees in a manner promoting a “team” work environment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and analyze problems.
  • Ability to read, interpret and prioritize work orders.
  • Must have good organizational skills.
  • Must be mechanically inclined.
  • Must be able to climb ladders and work at elevated heights.

  WORKING CONDITIONS

  • This role involves working in a warehouse environment with varying temperatures.
  • Requires the ability to lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Additionally, there may be instances where lifting or moving items weighing 50-100 pounds is necessary, with assistance.
  •  Regular physical activities such as climbing, lifting, bending, standing, walking, twisting, turning, and reaching with arms and hands are also required.
  •  Work hours will be Monday- Wednesday 3 am to 3 pm and Thursday 3 am to 7 am.
  • There may be some variation in work hours due to overtime, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS 

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
  • Free Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance 
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 
  • 401k with 3% company match and annual profit-sharing bonus 
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time 
  • Paid Parental Leave Program 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more! 
  • Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications) 
  • Referral Program with cash bonus
  • Onsite Wellness Center
  • Onsite Employee 24-hour gym

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro?, Aqueon?, Best Bully Sticks?, Cadet?, C&S?, Farnam?, Ferry-Morse?, Kaytee?, Nylabone?, Pennington?, Sevin? and Zoёcon?. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

 We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are interested in this role, please apply at: https://www.central.com click on the Careers tab, and search Chilton, WI careers.

 
 

Working at Central Garden & Pet

Perks for frontline workers

From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

  • Safety is a top priority!

  • Paid Vacation

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Sick Time

  • Paid Breaks

  • Consistent shift and schedule

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance

  • 401k with Company Match

  • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

  • Education Assistance

  • Paid Parental Leave

About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

From Central Garden & Pet

Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

Company values

From Central Garden & Pet

The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.


What Central Garden & Pet employees say

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